Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year, and there are many ways to enjoy the big meal surrounded by friends and family. However, if you don't feel like cooking up a storm and spending the holiday tied to the kitchen, it’s time to let someone else do the heavy lifting for you this Thanksgiving. This will give you the time to enjoy yourself with your family, and finally, take part in some holiday traditions.
The good news is that Sarasota boasts many restaurants serving up the flavors of Thanksgiving this year. These restaurants serve up all of the best fixings with none of the hassles. Many Sarasota restaurants also offer Thanksgiving feasts for you to take home. Remember to place your order well in advance to avoid the holiday rush at these fantastic restaurants in Sarasota.
1. Bijou Garden Cafe
Bijou Garden Cafe is one of the most popular dining places located in the very heart of downtown Sarasota. Sitting in Sarasota's theater district, the Bijou Garden Cafe famously rubs shoulders with the Selby Public Library and the city's famous opera house. The restaurant has an extensive wine list.
The Bijou Garden Cafe is one of the best places to book a seat for your family for the Thanksgiving holiday. The restaurant's famous Roast Carolina Turkey is a super hit in the holiday season, and you will get all the trimmings even if you order takeout. The Thanksgiving Roast Carolina Turkey with all the trimmings is priced at approximately $30 per person, and you will need to place your order for takeout at least three days before Thanksgiving.
2. Cafe L'Europe
Cafe L'Europe is an elegant dining place perfect for ordering your Thanksgiving dinner. This beautiful spot has served the Sarasota area for more than 30 years. Cafe L'Europe offers a special three-course Thanksgiving dinner priced at $43 per person. They have a takeout option available as well. The restaurant serves Thanksgiving dinner between 11:30 am and 8 pm, and placing the order for their Thanksgiving meal at least two to three days in advance is necessary.
3. The Columbia Restaurant
The Columbia Restaurant might not be the first place you think of for celebrating Thanksgiving. Still, you would be surprised at the traditional holiday meal they serve, complete with their Roast Vermont Turkey and all its accompaniments. The Thanksgiving meal is priced at $24 per adult and $6 per child. The same meal is also available for takeout, and just like the other restaurants, you need to place the order at least two days before.
Sarasota's Columbia Restaurant is situated on St. Armand's Circle amidst many trendy and upscale shops. The Columbia Restaurant is the cousin of the famous Columbia restaurant in Tampa's Ybor City. You will love celebrating Thanksgiving here amidst the old-world setting of the restaurant.
4. Euphemia Haye
Euphemia Haye is the restaurant to head to for celebrating any special occasion with a sophisticated dinner. Euphemia Haye is located on Longboat Key, and over the years, it has continued to operate with its singular culinary vision of offering regional American cuisine. Their signature dish is crisp roast duckling with bread stuffing served with a seasonal fresh berry sauce.
To celebrate Thanksgiving here, you can opt to order the roast goose, roast duck, or even sliced turkey. You can choose to have your favorite bird and have it cooked to your liking. Remember to order a few days before placing an order.
5. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
This chain of restaurants specializes in delicious cuts of meat and has an extensive wine list that appeals to all diners. The place was founded by famous restaurateur Paul Fleming and is known for serving top-notch meats and an impressive wine list. You can find many hard-to-find American boutique wines here, along with many famous national and international labels.
The Thanksgiving dinner starts from $49 per person, with the dining room opening at 11 am. At
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, you can enjoy a three-course turkey dinner with many traditional sides. There is also a particular takeout version of this conventional turkey dinner available. The takeout version is priced at $45 per person, and takeaway begins at 10 am.
6. Libby's Cafe + Bar
Libby's Cafe + Bar is another famous spot to indulge in Thanksgiving dinner away from home. The Seidensticker family put this restaurant together. This restaurant's menu is heavy on famous American staples, many of which arrive at your table directly from their aromatic wood grill.
At Thanksgiving, you can choose from their regular menu, or you can order Libby's special Thanksgiving plate, which is priced at $23 per person. They have a takeout Thanksgiving dinner, perfect for a family of six to eight, and will cost you $300.
7. Mattison's City Grille
Mattison's City Grille serves your traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the restaurant and has a separate takeout option. Paul Mattison heads the restaurant, and it is one of the flourishing restaurants in the city of Sarasota. Mattison's City Grille is known for its Italian-appearing small plates and pizzas, perfect outdoor seating, many wine events, and even live jazz nights, making it the ideal place to celebrate Thanksgiving.
